Seminar in Economics and Commerce

Overview

ECON10002 Seminar in Economics and Commerce A - offered in Semester 2 - is a subject coordinated and taught by Professor Robert Dixon from the Department of Economics and focuses on the Political Economy, and the inter-play of political and economic ideas.

In this subject, students will look at the work of three very important figures, Adam Smith, Karl Marx and, John Maynard Keynes; uncovering their key ideas about the economy and assessing their relevance for the modern world. Particular emphasis will be placed on relating the methods, concepts, and conclusions of these three writers to those of modern mainstream economic theory as revealed in first year textbooks. Students will be expected to read original works, as well as secondary literature.

The subject is specially designed for students interested in the history of economic thought, with particular focus on the ideas of Smith and Keynes (and their critics), and in political economy, law and, politics.

Classes will take the form of two 1.5 hour seminars per week (instead of two lectures plus a tutorial). The subject will be taught in a similar fashion to a fourth-year honours subject, with each class being a mix of (a) straight lecture, (b) short question and answer sessions, and (c) lengthy class discussion of pre-set questions.